Nebraska Authorities Charge 5 NRI Hotel Owners in Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, and Immigration Fraud Case.

Los Angeles/ Aug 13, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

A coordinated, multi-agency federal investigation in Nebraska has led to the arrest and charging of five individuals—of Indian descent—who ran multiple hotels in the Omaha area. The severe allegations include labor trafficking, sex trafficking, immigration fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering, and visa fraud.

Operation Details & Arrests

Search & Arrests: Early morning raids on August 12, 2025, targeted 14 business venues and two residences, including four hotels and associated "brow and lash" salons.

Defendants: The five arrested are:

Kentakumar “Ken” Chaudhari (36), Elkhorn, NE

Rashmi Ajit “Falguni” Samani (42), Elkhorn, NE

Amit Prahladbhai “Amit” Chaudhari (32), Omaha, NE

Amit Babubhai “Matt” Chaudhari (33), Omaha, NE

Maheshkumar “Mahesh” Chaudhari (38), Norfolk, NE

Labor trafficking: Rescue operations freed 10 minors—some younger than 12—and 17 adults forced to work in hazardous and unsanitary conditions for little or no pay. These victims were also subjected to “sex-for-rent” arrangements.

Sex trafficking: Allegations include both minor and adult sexual exploitation, with hotel management accused of enabling and concealing the abuse.

Drug-related activity: Evidence found drug use and trafficking at the hotels, with reports of overdoses, needle-strewn stairwells, and Narcan availability at front desks.

Additional Charges & Fraud Schemes

Visa Fraud & Immigration Abuse: One defendant allegedly orchestrated a staged robbery in 2022 to enable another to fraudulently obtain a U visa.

Human Smuggling & Document Fraud: Evidence suggests the trafficking of undocumented individuals to obtain U.S. residency arrangements and Washington state driver’s licenses for ~$1,000 each.

Asset Seizure: Authorities confiscated over $565,000 in cash and jewelry and have sought legal measures to prevent the sale or transfer of implicated properties.

Law Enforcement Response

Federal Coordination: The operation—dubbed part of Operation Summer Heat—involved around 300 personnel across 11 agencies, including the FBI, DHS, U.S. Marshals, IRS investigators, and various state and local law enforcement partners.

Official Statements:

U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods condemned the crimes as “evil” and pledged justice for all victims.
FBI Special Agent Eugene Kowel described the case as “modern-day slavery” and highlighted the exploitation of victims forced into labor and sexual abuse in deplorable conditions.

HSI Special Agent Mark Zito voiced steadfast commitment to freeing victims and prosecuting perpetrators

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